Wyverns narrowly beaten in close chase

Freya Kemp registered a superb unbeaten half century as Hampshire carved out a hard-fought five-run victory over Somerset at the Cooper Associates Ground to return to winning ways in the Vitality Blast T20 women’s competition last Thursday.

- Andrew Stockhausen

Hampshire elected to bat on a sound Taunton track and internationals Maia Bouchier and Charli Knott staged an enterprising opening partnership of 80 in 9.1 overs, scoring 43 apiece as bat dominated ball. Kemp then built upon solid foundations, raising a forthright 65 not out from 38 balls, striking seven

After a difficult start with the ball, Sam Marquiss (4-24) switched to round the wicket to begin whittling the Bishopston batters. Hiscott secured the dangerman, while Roberts (1-18) enjoyed a wicket maiden.

T Marquiss (2-29) picked up two important middle-order wickets, however Willis Skardon was unlucky to see a couple of chances not quite stick in the fielders’ hands. Hiscott (3-47) snared the final couple of wickets to secure a 20-run victory for Hampset.

They face a trip to leaders Shirehampton on Saturday.

The second side travelled to Midsomer Norton Methodist and opted to field for what would be a hard-fought contest in Division Seven East. After a short rain delay, Methodists got off to a flying start to reach 76-0.

Hampset clawed things back through disciplined spells from James Dorey (1-27) and spinner Jurie Flick (3-4 from 8 overs) who claimed key breakthroughs in the middle-order.

Despite a late flurry, Hampset were set 153-5 to chase in 40 overs.

In response, the visitors built steadily as opener Ashton Wright compiled a patient 41, supported by Oscar Costello (17). After their 49-run stand, the innings began to stutter before an incredible 7-7 from David Baker to leave Hampset sprawling from 60-2 to 83 all out in 31.5 overs.